My thoughts on "A Raisin in the Sun"

American Dream

The American Dream in the 1950’s was to own a big house with a yard, and to live a happy fruitful life. In this play, I feel as though the idea was the most profound in all of the characters. All Mama ever wants is a big house in a nice neighborhood with a yard for her grandson to play in. She just wants her family to feel like they are improving their lives and moving up in the world. This is the American Dream for Mama.

Walter, on the other hand, wants to run a profitable business with his partner Willy Harris, and make his family’s life better through the liquor store. He feels as though hard work will grant you a better life. All though he is right, he chooses the wrong business partners, and makes the wrong decisions. He has great intentions and all though they fall through, they represent his idea of the American Dream.

Beneatha’s version of the American Dream is a very personal and intellectual one.The attractive sister of Walter, Beneatha, has excellent ambitions to become a doctor. Although money is tight, she still dreams of being a strong willed, independent black doctor, capable of doing anything she will set her mind on. Her vision of the American Dream is personal success, and advancing in life in spite of the racism and obstacles she has to overcome.

These three characters all have a vision of the American Dream. Mama wants to buy a house in Clybourne Park, and she wants her family to feel more energized and motivated. Walter wants to earn a real living through the liquor store with will Harris. Beneatha wants to go to school and become a doctor. She wants more than anything to be respected as an individual, and to be a proud African American. Maybe the true American Dream is sticking together as a family through tough times. As this family shows, sticking together is what counts.